System and method for athletic event lap counting

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are described for assisting an athlete in counting laps on a repetitive course, and providing feedback to the athlete during the event regarding the number of laps that have been completed. In one embodiment, a mechanical or digital counter may be coupled to a runner, cyclist, cyclist&#39;s bicycle, or swimmer such that an input interface may be easily reached, and such that a feedback interface may be viewed during the event. In other embodiments, an input interface may be automated with wireless technologies, and the athlete may be provided with counting and/or timing feedback through a feedback interface coupled to the athlete that may be viewed during the event.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/495,805, filed Jun. 10, 2011. Theforegoing application is hereby incorporated by reference into thepresent application in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to counting systems, and morespecifically to technologies for counting laps and providing feedback toracers in athletic events.

BACKGROUND

Events such as competitive or training running, cycling, or swimmingevents often involve more than one lap around a particular track ourroute. Triathlon, a sport that combines three such sports (swimming,cycling, running) may involve laps around more than one track—forexample, laps in a swimming pool, laps around a cycling circuit, andlaps around a running circuit. Most often, triathlon events areconfigured involve one or maybe two repetitive circuits (generally inthe running and/or cycling events). Regardless, athletic events thatinvolve circuit courses or laps generally require someone to keep trackof the laps completed by each athlete. Generally this is theresponsibility of the particular athlete, and a mistake in lap countingcan mean the difference between disqualification and a desired result inthe event. Referring to FIG. 1, a course circuit (2) is depicted thatinvolves the athlete encountering many similar turns as he makes his wayaround (6) the track from the start/finish point (4), around the manyturns, and back to the start/finish point (4) to complete each lap. Ifan event (say a race, or even just a simple training exercise) requiresthat the athlete complete multiple laps around the course (2), it may bedifficult for the athlete to remember how many times he has crossed thestart/finish line (4) each time he does so. To address this lap countingchallenge, some athletes have created simple techniques of placing aparticular number of small discrete portions of snack food on theirbicycle to be eaten after each completed lap, so that when they run outof the discrete portions, they know they have completed the particularevent and can move to the next (say to the run from the bike event in atriathlon). Other athletes have used counting devices. For example,referring to FIG. 2A, a hand-held mechanical counter (8) is shown,having a lap advancement interface (12) that may be depressed to advancethe counter by one lap, a reset interface (10), and a feedback interface(14) to show the operator the lap count in numbers. FIG. 2B shows adigital version of a handheld counter (16) comprising a lap advancementinterface button (20) and a digital feedback interface (18). Generallythese types of handheld devices are used by bystanders because they arenot as convenient for a racer to manipulate. FIG. 3A depicts a countingchip device (22) that is convenient for a racer, and which may becoupled to a racer's appendage with a cuff (24), as shown in situ inFIG. 3B. The challenge with such a configuration is that there is nofeedback readily available to the racer as to what stage of the race heis in (i.e., how many laps he has completed). There is a need for moreconvenient lap counting technology that is well suited to athleticevents such as cycling, running, swimming, or triathlon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a training or racing course.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate hand held counting devices.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an appendage-mountable counting device.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various coupling systems which may be utilized tomount or couple counting hardware to a racer or his bicycle.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a counting system in accordancewith the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate embodiments of counting systems in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates a runner with various pieces of coupling hardware.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cyclist with various pieces of coupling hardware.

FIG. 8A illustrates one embodiment of a heads up display eyeglassesconfiguration.

FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment of a heads up display eyeglassesconfiguration.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a central counting systemconfiguration.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an olympic-style lap swimming pool.

FIG. 19A illustrates a hand held swimming counter configuration.

FIG. 19B illustrates a pool-deck-mounted counting configuration.

FIG. 19C illustrates a pool-wall-mounted counting configuration.

FIG. 19D illustrates a heads-up-display type swimming goggleconfiguration.

FIG. 20 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention featuring a wireless transciever.

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates one embodiment of a counting configuration inaccordance with the present invention, which is removably coupleable toa bicycle.

FIGS. 24A-24E illustrate embodiments of counting configurations inaccordance with the present invention, which are removably coupleable toa bicycle.

FIGS. 25A-25D illustrate embodiments of counting configurations inaccordance with the present invention, which are removably coupleable toa bicycle.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is directed to a system for assisting an athlete with lapcounting while riding a bicycle, comprising: a counter comprising aviewing interface and a lap advancement input interface, the viewinginterface being configured to display for the athlete a representationrelated to a lap count as a result of inputs to the lap advancementinterface by the athlete; and a coupler configured to couple the counterto the bicycle such that the viewing interface is viewable by theathlete and the lap advancement input interface is available to bemechanically induced to advance the lap count using a portion of theathlete's body; wherein the lap advancement input interface comprises anouter housing configured to substantially cover surfaces of the counterthat face the athlete on the bicycle, the outer housing being pivotallycoupled to the counter and configured to advance the lap count whenpivoted relative to the counter under a load applied to the outerhousing by the athlete. The counter may be a digital counter. Thecounter may be a mechanical counter. The viewing interface may comprisean electronic display. The electronic display may be an LCD display. Theviewing interface may be configured to display a numerical lap count.The viewing interface may be configured to display a symbolic lap count.The electronic display may be configured to graphically display atransition from a previous lap count to a subsequent lap count. Thesystem further may comprise a sound-emitting device configured to emit atransition sound while displaying the transition. The system further maycomprise a sound-emitting device configured to emit a sound uponadvancement of the counter using the lap advancement input interface.The sound may be selected from the group consisting of: a beep sound, abell sound, a cheering sound, a verbal enunciation of the lap count, arepeated predetermined sampled sound, and a sequential unrepeatedsampled sound. The coupler may comprise a strap with a buckle. Thecoupler may comprise an elastomeric band. The elastomeric band may havea series of apertures defined in an elongate pattern to facilitateincremental tightening, and may further comprise a catch memberconfigured to be positionable into one of the apertures to lock thecoupler into a selected configuration. The coupler may comprise a strapwith a Velcro closure. The coupler may comprise a mechanical clampconfigured to be removably coupled to a structure of the bicycle. Thecounter further may comprise a switch configured to be mechanicallytriggered when the outer housing is pivoted relative to the counterunder a load applied to the outer housing by the athlete. The outerhousing may be pivotally coupled to the counter with at least one pivotpoint located adjacent an end of the outer housing that is closest to aposterior end of the bicycle. The outer housing may comprise anaerodynamic shape. The aerodynamic shape may be selected from the groupconsisting of: a teardrop shape, a hemispherical shape, and an elliptoidshape. The viewing interface may be visible through a translucent windowformed in the outer housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Counting devices may be coupled to a racer in various fashions. Forexample, referring to FIG. 4A, a belt (26) may be placed around arunner, cyclist, or swimmer's waist, and a device may be coupled to thisbelt (26). Referring to FIG. 4B, a device may be coupled to a cyclist'shandlebar (30) or bicycle stem (32) in a similar manner that a cyclingcomputer (28) is coupled to these platforms. Referring to FIGS. 4C and4D, an attachable compartment (36), such as those available under thetradenames Bento Box® and Fuel Belt®, may be coupled to the tubes of abike frame (34) using one or more sets of straps (38, 40). Employingthese and other coupling platforms, various counting system embodimentsare described below.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, a counting console (44) iscoupled to a belt (26) which may be removably coupled to a racer'swaist. The depicted embodiment of the console (44) comprises a visiblefeedback interface (42) along with an easily accessible countingadvancement interface (46). The advancement and counting interfaces maycomprise portions of a mechanical counter or digital counter, either ofwhich may be integrated into the console (44) which is coupled to thebelt (26). Preferably the console is a small, inobtrusive, thin panelsomewhat akin to a lightweight belt buckle (it is shown in FIG. 5 in amagnified state for illustration purposes).

Referring to FIG. 6A, in another embodiment, a user interface console(50) comprising an advancement interface (such as a mechanical ordigital button) and a feedback interface (such as a mechanical ordigital number readout) may be coupled to the handlebar (30) or stem(32) of an athlete's bicycle (48) and advanced by the athlete uponcompleting each lap. Preferably any attachment features comprisenon-slip fastening interfaces or materials to prevent relative motionbetween device housing and bicycle frame while the athlete is engaged inthe event and/or trying to operate the device. FIG. 6B depicts anotherembodiment wherein the console (50) is coupled to the frame (34) of thebicycle (48). FIG. 6C depicts another embodiment wherein the console(50) is coupled to the frame (34) of the bicycle (48) using anattachment compartment (36), which may also feature some additionalsmall spaces for storing energy bars, gels, electrolyte tablets, and thelike for use during the athletic event.

Referring to FIG. 7A, various coupling platforms provide opportunitiesfor easily reachable and viewable counting advancement and feedbackinterfacing on a runner (52), including glasses (54), necklace typeplatforms (56), belts of various types (26), wristbands of various types(58), and shoes and related structures (60). Referring to FIG. 7B, witha cyclist, each of the aforementioned interfacing opportunities areavailable (for example, the cyclist also is shown wearing glasses andshoes; a belt, wristband, and/or necklace type platform also could beused by the cyclist), in addition to handlebar (30) and stem (32) typeplatforms, attachable compartment (36) platforms, and helmet/visorplatforms (33). For example, referring to FIG. 8A, in one embodiment, acounting system may comprise a small digital pushbutton mounted upon abelt as a counting advancement interface, operatively coupled to afeedback interface comprising a heads-up-display glasses configuration(64), such as those available from Vuzix of Rochester, N.Y. Referring toFIG. 8B, in a similar embodiment, heads-up-display glasses comprisingone or more OLED type displays (68) operatively integrated to a set ofeyeglasses (66) adjacent an eye (70), as shown by Fraunhofer Research ofGermany, may be utilized to show the racer how many laps have beencompleted.

Referring to FIG. 9, any of the aforementioned feedback interfaceconfigurations may be utilized as integrated with a centralcounting/timing system (72) to provide feedback to an athlete. Forexample, a runner (52) or cyclist (62) wearing a conventional countingchip, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3B, may be given the added benefitof a feedback interface using any of the aforementioned feedbackinterface configurations that is operatively coupled (preferablywirelessly) to the central counting/timing system. In other words, inone embodiment, such a system comprises a counting chip removablycoupled to the racer, along with a small transceiver device alsoremovably coupled to the racer that is operatively coupled to a feedbackinterface such as a heads-up-display eyeglasses platform, such that eachtime the racer crosses the lap finish line and associated chip countinginterface (76), the central counting/timing system wirelesslycommunicates a lap count advancement to the racer's transceiver, andthis lap advancement is communicated to the racer in the form of afeedback interface data display (in this case through theheads-up-display eyeglasses platform).

Referring to FIGS. 10-17, various configurations are illustrated inflowchart form.

Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, a mechanical counter is coupledto the racer is provided to the racer (78). The racer couples the deviceto this body, and during the event, he uses the advancement interface tomanually advance the counting forward with each completed lap (80). Hecan glance at the feedback interface to gain knowledge of his lapcounting status during the event (82).

Referring to FIG. 11, an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 10 isillustrated, with the exception that a digital counter is provided andutilized (84) as opposed to a conventional mechanical counter, as in theembodiment of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment is depicted wherein theadvancement and feedback interfaces comprise separate modules, bothcoupleable to the racer. With both modules provided (86), the racercouples the feedback (88) and counter (90) interfaces to his body, andreceives feedback through the feedback interface during the event (92).

Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment comprises providing a countingmodule coupleable to the racer that is at least transiently operativelycoupled to an associated central counting system (i.e., by a wirelessconnection when the racer is close enough to a pertinent transceiver ortransmitter) (94). The feedback (96) and counting module (98) devicesare coupled to the racer, and the feedback interface provides feedbackregarding lap counting during the event (100).

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, embodiments similar to those of FIGS. 10and 11 are illustrated, with the exception that the devices may becoupled to an athlete's bicycle. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, amechanical counter is provided that is coupleable to the bike (102). Itis coupled to the bike (104), and the cyclist receives his lap countingfeedback during the event (106). In the embodiment of FIG. 15, a digitalcounter is provided (108).

Referring to FIG. 16, a counter coupleable to the racer's body orbicycle is provided (110), as well as a feedback interface (112). Thesetwo modules are operatively coupled to each other, and to the racer(114, 116), and during the event, the racer receives counting feedback.

Referring to FIG. 17, a counting module operatively coupleable to acentral counting system is provided (118), a feedback interface isprovided (120), the racer couples each of these for in-racefunctionality (122, 124), and receives lap count feedback during therace.

Repetitive-lap swimming events present a related challenge. Referring toFIG. 18, a lap pathway (128) through one lane (130) of an olympic stylepool (126) is illustrated. FIG. 19A shows a hand-held digital lapcounter (19) which may be utilized to assist a swimmer in counting laps.FIG. 19B shows a pool-deck-mounted (136) counter (134) that may beutilized to assist a swimmer in counting laps. FIG. 19C shows apool-wall-mounted (140) counter (138) that may be utilized to assist aswimmer in counting laps. FIG. 19D shows a swim goggle (142) featuring aheads-up-display (144) that may be utilized as a feedback interface toassist a swimmer in counting laps. The counter devices of FIGS. 19A-19Care suboptimal in that they require the swimmer to do some activitybesides maximize his swimming activity. Referring to FIG. 20, in oneembodiment, an inventive solution employs configurations similar tothose described above for running and cycling. A swimmer (146) in a pool(150) may use one or more of the aforementioned coupling platforms, suchas a belt (26), wristband (58), or goggle (142—akin to glasses, but forsubmersion) for coupling an advancement and/or feedback interface intoreachable position. In one embodiment, advancement may be manual, bydepression of a pushbutton, etc that causes a related counting device toadvance the count, and provide related feedback of the new count to theswimmer, such as through a heads-up-display goggle (142). In anotherembodiment, counting may be automated by a timing system that maycomprise a wireless transceiver (148). Such a system may be configuredto automatically advance lap count based upon detection of a chip orsimilar device coupled to a swimmer's ankle, wrist, necklace, belt,goggle, etc., and feed the count back to a goggle feedback interfaceoperatively coupled (i.e., by wireless connection) to thecounter/transceiver (148) device.

Referring to FIG. 21, a counter with a counting input interface may beprovided (152) along with a feedback interface (154). The swimmer maycouple both to his body (156, 158) and receive feedback during the swimsubject to his manual advancement of the counting interface at thecompletion of each lap.

Referring to FIG. 22, an embodiment is depicted wherein a countingmodule operatively coupleable (i.e., by wireless connectivity) to aseparate counting system (for example, as shown in FIG. 20), is provided(160), a feedback interface is provided that may be coupled to theswimmer (162), the counting and feedback modules are coupled to theswimmer (164, 166), and the swimmer receives feedback during the event.

Referring to FIG. 23, an embodiment is depicted wherein a counterassembly is removably coupled to a bike frame (48) using a housing (168)which contains a counter (digital or mechanical, for example). Thehousing is removably coupled to the bicycle (48) with a velco® strap(172) fastener and contains one window to provide access to the inputinterface (46) of the counter, and another window to provide translucentaccess to the display interface (42) of the counter.

Referring to FIG. 24A, another embodiment is depicted wherein a counterassembly (176) is removably coupled to a bicycle (48) using anelastomeric strap coupler (174). Referring to FIG. 24B, a close-up viewof the assembly (176) is depicted. The assembly (176) comprises a basehousing (192) coupled to the bicycle (48) with an elastomeric strapfastener (182) having a series of apertures (184) for tightening andfastening using a catch member such as a small rod, shaft, or the like,somewhat akin to the function of a belt buckle type fastener. Anaerodynamic outer housing (186) is pivotally coupled to the base housingwith a pivot joint (180) that allows the outer housing (186) to berotated (178) relative to the base housing (192) and bicycle (48) towhich it is coupled through a relatively small range of motion,depending upon the switching configuration below (refer to FIG. 24D, forexample). The outer housing preferably has an aerodynamic shape, such asa teardrop shape, as shown, or an elliptoid or hemispherical shape. Inthis configuration, the counter advancement interface is motion of theouter housing (186) itself relative to the base housing (192). In otherwords, by virtue of the intercoupled switch below the outer housing, amanual depressing load upon the outer housing causes the outer housingto rotate (178) relative to the pivot joint (180), which operates aswitch below to advance the lap count. This simple interface foradvancing the lap count is highly advantageous because the athlete needonly reach down and depress the outer housing—almost anywhere on theouter housing (i.e., as opposed to having to visually and physicallyfocus on a particular button somewhere on the housing, as in theembodiment of FIG. 23)—to advance the lap count. In the depictedembodiment, the pivot joint (180) is located toward the posterior of thebicycle to provide easy rotational motion (178) relative to the positionof the hands of the athlete and allow the athlete to physically engagethe counter (for example, gently with a quick motion of the fingers, orwith more significant physical force with the open palm of his or herhand; either way, the design is configured to take input from motionstypical of the kinds of motion that a cyclist would be comfortablemaking during a high-speed, high-energy race on a bicycle without thekind of distraction that may be required to focus on smaller buttons andinput interfaces). In another embodiment the pivot joint may be locatedat the end of the counting assembly closest to the front of the bicycle.Referring to FIG. 24C, a top view shows that a viewing window (190;either comprised of translucent material, such as plastic or glass, orcomprised of a simple cutout through the outer housing) is made in theouter housing (186) to provide visibility to the feedback or displayinterface (42), which may comprise an electronic display such as anliquid crystal (“LCD”), organic light emitting diode (“OLED”), or othertype electronic display. An additional interface button (188) is shown,which may be configured to provide additional counter controlfunctionality, such as a reset of the lap count after a long continuoushold on this button and/or reverse lap counting in the event that onetoo many advancements of the count are input. Lap counts may bedisplayed either numically or symbolically (i.e., three big dots, or 3of some other graphical marker, representative of 3 laps counted, etc).In another embodiment, a mechanical counter with mechanical switch maybe utilized rather than a digital/electronic configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 24D and 24E, without the outer cover, the interior ofthe assembly shown in FIGS. 24A-C is depicted, with the digital counter(196), operatively coupled battery pack (194), operatively coupled soundemitting device (198; such as one or more audio speakers), andoperatively coupled switch (200; such as a bubble type switch used oftenin electronic devices, such as in the buttons of a computer mouse). Thesound emitting device (198) may be configured to emit sounds ascontrolled by a microcontroller, microprocessor, or other controllercomprising the digital counter module (196). For example, in oneembodiment, the sound emitting device (198) may be configured to emit abeep, bell, or other sound or group of sounds (such as a cheering sound,a verbal enunciation of the lap count, a repeated selected or sampledsound (i.e., make the same sound for each additional count), anonrepeated selected or sampled sound (i.e., make a different sound foreach additional count), etc) each time the outer housing (186) isdepressed sufficiently to activate the switch (200). For example, in oneembodiment, the sound emitting device (198) may be configured to emitthe sampled sound of a child of the athlete counting down the laps togo, as in “Go Mom! 3 more laps!” . . . “Go Mom! 2 more laps!” . . . “GoMom! Last lap!”. For extra confirmation to the athlete that his or herattempt to advance the counting has succeeded, the system controller maybe configured to emphasize a transition from a previous count to a newcount either graphically (i.e., with a displayed showing of the previousnumber fading or transitioning to the next number; for example, “was 3 .. . now 2 laps to go”). In another embodiment, the sound emitting device(198) may be utilized to emit a sound known to the athlete (may beselectable by the athlete) to be a transition sound from one count tothe next. In another embodiment, in the space occupied by the soundemitting device (198) in the depicted embodiment, or in some other spaceif the sound emitting device (198) is to be retained in the depictedposition, two or more solar panels (i.e., photovoltaic cells) may bepositioned to receive light through windows in the outer housing andcharge the battery system based upon such light exposure.

Referring to FIG. 25A, a bicycle is shown with various devices (206,208), including a cyclometer (28) with an input interface, attached to ahandlebar (30). A counting input assembly (202) is shown coupled to thebicycle (48) and operatively coupled to the cyclometer (28) by a wirelead (204). This counting assembly (202) may comprise a simplifiedversion of the assembly (176) shown in FIGS. 24A-E, for example, withoutthe counter. In other words, the counting assembly of FIG. 25A maycomprise a base housing, outer housing, and internal switch as in theembodiment of FIG. 24C, without the additional hardware, and with theaddition of an electronic lead to interface with a remote (a few inchesaway in a different housing) controller to which it is operativelycoupled, in the depicted case a remote cyclometer device (28), which maybe used not only for its controller and power system, but also for itsdisplay (i.e., the display of the cyclometer may be utilized in at leastone software mode to display the lap count; further the cyclometer maycomprise a sound emitting device which may also be used similar to asdescribed in reference to FIGS. 24A-E). With less hardware on board, theouter housing and base housing of the stripped down configuration (202)of FIG. 25A may be smaller and more aerodynamic. The lead (204) may befastened to the bicycle with zip ties, handlebar grip tape, or otherfasteners. Referring to FIG. 25B, another embodiment similar to that ofFIG. 25A is depicted, with the switching assembly (202) coupled to thehandlebar (30). Referring to FIG. 25C, another embodiment similar tothat of FIG. 25A is depicted, with the switching assembly (202) coupledto the end of the handlebar (30). In such embodiment, the switch may beincorporated as a low-profile element of the handlebar grip tape, or maybe integrated as a low-profile element of a switching/braking rubberizedhood commonly mounted upon the handlebar ends. The wire lead (204) maybe passed underneath the handlebar tape to stay out of the way, and backto the cyclometer (28) as shown. Referring to FIG. 25D, an embodimentsimilar to that of FIG. 25C is shown, with the exception that the wirelead (204) has been replaced with a wireless communicationconfiguration, wherein a wireless transmitter (214) and wirelessreceiver (216), such as may be found on Bluetooth® enabled devices, maybe utilized to pass signals without wires. In such an embodiment, theremote switching assembly (212) will have an embedded battery or otherpower supply, and the wireless cyclometer (210) will be similar to theversion shown in FIG. 25C, for example, with the exception of thewireless communications infrastructure.

Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein.Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting sense. They areprovided to illustrate more broadly applicable aspects of the invention.Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalentsmay be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation, material, composition of matter, process, processact(s) or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the presentinvention. Further, as will be appreciated by those with skill in theart that each of the individual variations described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which may be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentinventions. All such modifications are intended to be within the scopeof claims associated with this disclosure.

The invention includes methods that may be performed using the subjectsystems and devices. The methods may comprise the act of providing sucha suitable device. Such provision may be performed by the end user. Inother words, the “providing” act merely requires the end user obtain,access, approach, position, set-up, activate, power-up or otherwise actto provide the requisite device in the subject method. Methods recitedherein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which islogically possible, as well as in the recited order of events.

In addition, though the invention has been described in reference toseveral examples optionally incorporating various features, theinvention is not to be limited to that which is described or indicatedas contemplated with respect to each variation of the invention. Variouschanges may be made to the invention described and equivalents (whetherrecited herein or not included for the sake of some brevity) may besubstituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention. In addition, where a range of values is provided, it isunderstood that every intervening value, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention.

Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventivevariations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or incombination with any one or more of the features described herein.Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there areplural of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein andin claims associated hereto, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “said,” and“the” include plural referents unless the specifically stated otherwise.In other words, use of the articles allow for “at least one” of thesubject item in the description above as well as claims associated withthis disclosure. It is further noted that such claims may be drafted toexclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended toserve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as“solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claimelements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term “comprising” inclaims associated with this disclosure shall allow for the inclusion ofany additional element--irrespective of whether a given number ofelements are enumerated in such claims, or the addition of a featurecould be regarded as transforming the nature of an element set forth insuch claims. Except as specifically defined herein, all technical andscientific terms used herein are to be given as broad a commonlyunderstood meaning as possible while maintaining claim validity.

The breadth of the present invention is not to be limited to theexamples provided and/or the subject specification, but rather only bythe scope of claim language associated with this disclosure.

1. A system for assisting an athlete with lap counting while riding abicycle, comprising: a. a counter comprising a viewing interface and alap advancement input interface, the viewing interface being configuredto display for the athlete a representation related to a lap count as aresult of inputs to the lap advancement interface by the athlete; and b.a coupler configured to couple the counter to the bicycle such that theviewing interface is viewable by the athlete and the lap advancementinput interface is available to be mechanically induced to advance thelap count using a portion of the athlete's body; wherein the lapadvancement input interface comprises an outer housing configured tosubstantially cover surfaces of the counter that face the athlete on thebicycle, the outer housing being pivotally coupled to the counter andconfigured to advance the lap count when pivoted relative to the counterunder a load applied to the outer housing by the athlete.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the counter is a digital counter.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the counter is a mechanical counter.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the viewing interface comprises an electronic display.5. The system of claim 4, wherein the electronic display is an LCDdisplay.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the viewing interface isconfigured to display a numerical lap count.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the viewing interface is configured to display a symbolic lapcount.
 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the electronic display isconfigured to graphically display a transition from a previous lap countto a subsequent lap count.
 9. The system of claim 8, further comprisinga sound-emitting device configured to emit a transition sound whiledisplaying the transition.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprisinga sound-emitting device configured to emit a sound upon advancement ofthe counter using the lap advancement input interface.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the sound is selected from the group consisting of: abeep sound, a bell sound, a cheering sound, a verbal enunciation of thelap count, a repeated predetermined sampled sound, and a sequentialunrepeated sampled sound.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the couplercomprises a strap with a buckle.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein thecoupler comprises an elastomeric band.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein the elastomeric band has a series of apertures defined in anelongate pattern to facilitate incremental tightening, the couplerfurther comprising a catch member configured to be positionable into oneof the apertures to lock the coupler into a selected configuration. 15.The system of claim 1, wherein the coupler comprises a strap with aVelcro closure.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupler comprisesa mechanical clamp configured to be removably coupled to a structure ofthe bicycle.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the counter furthercomprises a switch configured to be mechanically triggered when theouter housing is pivoted relative to the counter under a load applied tothe outer housing by the athlete.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein theouter housing is pivotally coupled to the counter with at least onepivot point located adjacent an end of the outer housing that is closestto a posterior end of the bicycle.
 19. The system of claim 1, whereinthe outer housing comprises an aerodynamic shape.
 20. The system ofclaim 19, wherein the aerodynamic shape is selected from the groupconsisting of: a teardrop shape, a hemispherical shape, and an elliptoidshape.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the viewing interface isvisible through a translucent window formed in the outer housing.